Page 94 - Christ and Culture Textbook

Idolatry is the worship or adoration of anyone or anything other than the LORD God. Idolatry includes
the worship of other gods, such as those of the nations surrounding Israel, images or idols and the
creation itself. God gave the command: “You shall not make for yourself an idol … you shall not worship
them or serve them” (Exod. 20:4–5). Joshua called on the people to put away the gods their fathers had
served in Mesopotamia and in Egypt (Josh. 24:14). Bible clearly denounced idolatry. None is more
graphic and devastating than that in Isa. 44:9–20. Idolatry is not just a pagan issue. It is not just an Old
Testament or Jewish issue. It is a human issue.

Idolatry exists even where material idols are not fashioned. Our Church building can become an idol, our
house can become an idol, our work can become an idol, our family can become an idol, our education
can become an idol. Idolatry extends beyond the worship of images and false gods. It is a matter of the
heart, associated with pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony (Phil. 3:19), and a love for possessions
(Matt. 6:24). Idolatry is a major theme of the Bible. It challenges God’s sovereignty and attempts to offer
an alternate explanation to the issues of life. Paul’s commendation to the Thessalonian believers
emphasized their turning from the service of idols “to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9). The
idol is whatever claims that loyalty which belongs to God alone (Is. 42:8). Whatever we give allegiance to
is our idol. All Idols have the chance to take the place of God in our lives.

Culture Values and sinful attitudes that take the place of God.

In the New Testament, 1 John 5:21 says, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” So apparently
idolatry is still trying to work its way into our lives and distract us from worshipping and obeying God.

Idolatry is still trying to work its way into our lives and distract us from worshipping and obeying God’
(https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/october/idolatry-is-alive-today-why-modern-
church-leaders-still-fig.html)

Greed, self-sufficiency, deception, security, ambition, wealth, comfort, vengeance, entitlement, status,
sex, pleasure, knowledge, appearance, superficiality, performance, achievement, success, being
entertained, envy, comparison, competition, autonomy, honor (not shame), lust, networks, information,
religion, political influence, humor, popularity. Culture values teaches us that we don’t need God to be
happy and successful people. We can enjoy life without a God who imposes restriction on our lives.

We must never forget the God demands to allegiance. While the world
may reject God, Christians need to be in Constance awareness of God’s
presence. Glory is God’s majestic brilliance shown to the world through
Israel and the church, and supremely in and through Jesus Christ. When
we put idols in our heart God’s glory will be at stake. God has created
everything for his glory including you and I. In answering the question
“Why are idols dangerous?” John Piper says that the wrath of God is
coming upon idolatry. Nothing is more dangerous than the wrath of an
omnipotent, all-righteous God. And Paul says the wrath of God is coming
on idolatry. Now why would that be? Listen to Exodus 20: “You shall not make for yourself a carved
image, or any likeness or anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in
the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a
jealous God.” (Exodus 20:4–5) The wrath of God comes on the idolater because God is jealous. There is a
righteous and holy jealousy and an unrighteous and weak and insecure jealousy. And God’s jealousy is

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